On Wednesday, June 23, 2021 Darlene went to walk with Jesus. She went with faith and without fear, with her husband, Lynn, at her side.
Darlene was born July 31, 1932, in Ainsworth, NE to Robert and Martina Schroeder. She attended country school at Kewanee until 7th grade then moved into Valentine, NE where she graduated from high school in 1949.
While she was in her sophomore year, Darlene was introduced to Lynn Schaefer, a friend of her parents. Darlene converted to Catholicism and the two married in the Catholic Church on October 28, 1950.
The first test of their marriage came in 1952 when Lynn enlisted in the U.S. Army. For the two years that he was stationed in Germany, Darlene stayed at home with her parents and worked at Flynn Rexall Drugstore.
When Lynn returned home, the couple moved to Martin, SD where they operated the OK Court Motel and Drive Inn owned by Darlene’s parents. They lived there until late 1954 when they moved back to Valentine and Darlene gave birth to their first daughter, Suzanne. The two went on to have three more children, Bob, Reggie, and Denise.
Darlene’s priority was always her family which is why she was a stay-at-home mom until 1967. While her children were growing up, Darlene served as room mother in their classrooms, organized class activities, made many of their clothes by hand and always made sure the children were happy and healthy.
In 1967, Darlene went to work at the County Assessor’s Office where she stayed for eight years. She also worked part-time as bailiff for the Clerk of District Court.
Second only to her devotion to her family, was Darlene’s selfless service to her community. She served as president of the Altar Society for many years and was a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and regularly volunteered at the Valentine Senior Citizens Center.
Darlene is survived her husband, Lynn, children, Suzanne (Don) Baker, Bob (Jane) Schaefer, Reggie Bennett, Denise (Ralph) Simons, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert, sister Norma Jean, and grandson David.
Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene Schaefer, age 88, of Valentine, Nebraska will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 29th at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. Rosary will be recited on Monday, June 28th at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be on Monday at 5:00 PM until rosary time at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.